Anglers head out to lake for Fall Mack Days

Fall Mack Days is under way on Flathead Lake.

There were 634 lake trout entries received during the first three days of 2009 Fall Mack Days. A total of 324 anglers so far have entered the 21-day event.

Anglers may continue to sign up until the last day of the event. More than $47,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded on Nov. 15, the last day of the event.

Big fish, little fish, tagged fish, one fish: They all can win in Fall Mack Days.

The leaders for reeling in the smallest lake are Brandt Hammernick of Missoula with a 211mm (8 3/8 inch) and Doug Baker of Moiese with a 218mm entry. Two winners in this category will receive $250.

There were no large lake trout entries ($500 prize) during the first weekend. The largest lake trout must be live, measure more than 36 inches and weigh more than 24 pounds to qualify.

Leading the event is Stephen Naethe of Pablo with 51, Brandt Hammernick of Missoula, 42; Paul Lebert of Kalispell, 39; Roger Dilts of Polson, 39; Mike Kuefler of St. Ignatius, 34; Shawn Madsen of Polson, 30; Mike Benson of Hot Springs, 27; Bud Howe of Kalispell, 23; Sid Bitney of Kalispell, 22; Paul Soukup of Ronan, 19; and Kim McMillie of Polson, 19.

Women anglers are led by Susanne Albrecht of Polson, 15; Cindy L. Benson of Columbia Falls, 6; Cindy Howe of Kalispell, 4; Patricia Webber of Big Arm, 4; and Deana Knipe of Polson, 3. Youth angler leaders are Naethe and Ethan Haflinger of Moiese with 4.

One $100 tagged lake trout was turned in by Cindy L. Benson of Columbia Falls.

There are more than 1,400 lake trout that have been tagged with values from $100 to $5,000. The tagged fish have the adipose fin clipped to identify them. Every tagged number is listed on data sheets with an associated value assigned to it.

On Friday there was good morning fishing weather that ended with winds coming in late afternoon. There were 394 lake trout entered before boats had to come off the water.

Saturday began calm but by early afternoon the lake was covered by rolling waves and treacherous winds. The count for Saturday was 232 lake trout.

On Sunday, winds continued until afternoon and current took over. Anglers reported the currents were like sitting in a river; the lines just could not get to the bottom. The fish count for Sunday was 18, a record low for Mack Days.

Anglers may keep their fish or donate them to be processed and given to local food banks.

The last day of the event is Nov. 1 at Blue Bay with a fish fry and awards beginning at 4 p.m. for anglers and families.

For more information go to www.mackdays.com or telephone 406-883-2888 ex. 7294.

Mack Days are designed by fisheries managers to help bring a balance to the fishery of Flathead Lake by decreasing the numbers of non-native lake trout.